The trial of a man accused of killing a Creston woman will be held next July.
Mitchell Earl McIntyre is accused of second degree murder in the February 2022 death of Julia Howe, 56, who was found inside her home.
He will be tried by judge alone in Cranbrook Supreme Court. On Monday, four weeks were set aside for the trial, which will run between July 2 and 26. A pre-trial application will be heard April 29.
McIntyre remains in custody.
Police said although Howe’s death was originally thought to be the result of natural causes, it was later determined to be a homicide, although they didn’t say how they figured that out.
The cause of death has not been released.
An obituary said she was born in Creston and worked as a school bus driver. She is survived by her father, four siblings, four children, and four grandchildren.
Police said McIntyre and Howe are believed to have known each other.